Hebrews 12:1-2
"...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith..."

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

We Have a Birthday Boy

Today was an EXCITING DAY at our house--we celebrated Jayden's birthday! During a conversation many weeks ago I commented to him that his birthday was coming up soon. He shrugged his shoulders, scrunched his face and said, "Mom, what is birthday?"

So, Jayden celebrated his 4th birthday as his first...and what a day we had! The first thing Jenna wanted to do was to put streamers all over his bedroom door so that he would have to walk through them when he woke up. I had the video camera ready and taping as we watched both the boys come out...not running through the streamers but rather crawling on their bellies to avoid the streamers...first Jayden and then Tate! It was hilarious! As Jayden stood up, he scrunched his face and shrugged his shoulders (as he always does when he doesn't understand something) and said, "What's this?" We explained it and had them crawl back under for a "do over" which they utterly enjoyed.

The one thing that Jayden said he wanted each time we asked him was a "gee-tar". Kurt found this...

...a "gee-tar" with the beloved Lightning McQueen from the Cars movie! He was one happy boy!

With the weather being so hot, the boys tried out another one of Jayden's gifts this morning...

Our boys LOVE water. They are CRAZY in water and they have no fear. They can both work the Slip and Slide really well but I have to admit that Tate has the best belly flop form (he's on the left). Tate did pretty well today considering that he really wants a birthday too. His constant saying throughout the day was, "Another day it will be me turn for a birthday." I would be a wealthy woman if I had a dollar for every time he said it today!

After water fun, we had a favorite lunch of Jayden's: rice, beans and sardines. (I bet you are all jealous right now.) I told the boys that I wouldn't be giving seconds today so that they would have room for ice cream. They responded to that with a "Woohoo...ice cream!" So, off we went to Cold Stone...

The guy who served us was great! The boys were taking it all in as he gave us all samples and then mixed our ice cream...finishing it all off with tossing the ice cream high and catching it in the cup. Yes, we've all probably seen this done before but for little boys who never have...IT IS A BIG DEAL. I just have to insert here that he also made the comment to Jenna and I, "Wow, you two look really busy!" (Yes, he was stating the obvious.)

After Cold Stone, we were off to a movie at the mall theater...

Contrary to what the theater's website stated, the movie ended up in 3D. I was purposely avoiding that as I didn't know if the boys would tolerate wearing glasses during the entire movie. They did. While they flinched a few times as things flew at them, they seemed to enjoy the movie overall.

When there is a birthday in our house, I usually let that person pick the menu for supper. I gave Jayden a couple of choices and he picked pizza. Then, it was time for cake...

I LOVE this last picture. As we sang "Happy Birthday", he beamed, then suddenly became shy and covered his face...BUT you could still his eyes smiling.

As I tucked him in bed tonight, I asked him if he had a good birthday. "Yes, mom. Me had a good birthday." And then he kissed me and hugged me tight and said, "Thank you for my birthday."

I am constantly learning from Jayden to love life. He enjoys every moment. He is grateful. He finds joy in the little things...all the time.

What a privilege to celebrate his "first" birthday with him. We love you, Jayden. Happy 4th Birthday!

Lisa, I can't begin to describe the emotions that well up inside me as I read your postings. This particular post reminded me of Mike Yaconelli's book, "Dangerous Wonder." It's about childlike faith. I read it several years ago, but it still impacts me. Love you lots! Thanks for opening your home and heart to all of us.